Mega Yacht Builder Heesen Moves Into Explorer Market with X-Venture: Dutch shipyard Heesen has unveiled its first explorer mega yacht concept, the 57-meter X-Venture. The new steel explorer, designed by London-based Winch Design, will offer a large volume of approximately 1,400 GT. With long-range cruising in mind, X-Venture will have plenty of storage for multiple tenders and toys as well as helicopter.

Explorer yachts aren’t totally new for Heesen. The shipyard delivered AlumerciA, now Unexpected, in 2001. The main source of inspiration for X-Venture is viewing or being in nature. Everything revolves around immersion in different environment and seeing them from different parts of the boat.

Mark Cavendish, Heesen director of sales and marketing, indicated that the company aimed to combine luxury and functionality by partnering with Winch Design. Notable features will include a three-deck crystal elevator, a winter garden aft of the helideck, a Jacuzzi and swimming pool and convertible guest cabins for maximum flexibility.

The X-Venture mega yacht will have a distinct silhouette that is rugged, but refined, with key signature lines. She will have a powerful presence on the water, akin to what a Range Rover has on land. X-Venture will have a unique layout for a relatively “small” boat, with an enormous interior volume and impressive tender capacity. X-Venture will not compromise on the “go anywhere” capabilities of an explorer and will combine all of the features associated with a traditional yacht.

Heesen is currently in the development phase of the project and does not plan to build the X-Venture mega yacht on spec, at least for the moment. The company does expect the design to attract a lot of interest and believes confirmation of an initial order will come soon.